often seen in the street without a hat

There is a whole article about this here:

http://nhsblogdoc.blogspot.com/2006/07/pelvic-examinations-are-you-sitting.html

Conclusion:
“Women feel less vulnerable and experience less discomfort when the examination is carried out without stirrups.”

American doctors use stirrups routinely and all doctors (not just Americans!) can be pretty set in their ways. Perhaps it is time for a change.

A woman in the UK may well get through the whole of her gynaecological and obstetric life without seeing a pair of examination stirrups.

For once, we may have got it right.